Following Beijing’s lead, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has drawn red lines for the new U.S. Consul General to Hong Kong, Julie Eadeh, regarding her diplomatic work in the city. Lee’s warnings include directives that she should “not do destructive things” and “must not interfere in Hong Kong affairs.”
Since Eadeh assumed her post last month, she has invited several prominent figures to a welcome reception, including former Chief Secretary Anson Chan and former Democratic Party Chairperson Emily Lau. These invitations provoked strong criticism from pro-Beijing newspapers Ta Kung Pao and Wen Wei Po, which published consecutive articles attacking her actions. The State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office and the Chinese Communist Party’s Hong Kong and Macau Work Office both republished these critical articles on their websites.
When responding to media inquiries before today’s Executive Council meeting, Lee stated that he hopes consuls stationed in Hong Kong will engage in constructive rather than destructive activities. He emphasized that consuls have a responsibility to strictly observe international conventions and diplomatic protocols, performing their duties in a manner befitting their diplomatic status. Lee stressed that they must not interfere in China’s internal affairs or Hong Kong matters under any pretext or in any form, and should respect China’s sovereignty.
Additionally, China’s Foreign Ministry Office in Hong Kong recently announced that Commissioner Cui Jianchun had received Eadeh for her courtesy call upon assuming office. The announcement notably stated that Cui “required Eadeh to perform her duties in Hong Kong in a manner consistent with her diplomatic status and not to interfere in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs.” The wording was markedly more severe than in previous similar announcements.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), September 30, 2025
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202509300074.aspx